In the gaming world, few titles have made an impact as significant as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). But for many players, the branding behind PUBG can be confusing. Some versions display the name KRAFTON, others Tencent. Who actually develops PUBG? Why are there different publishers for different regions and platforms? And what distinguishes these two giants of the gaming world?

Here’s a breakdown of the differences, roles, and broader strategies behind KRAFTON and Tencent, and how they both power one of the biggest games on the planet.

Who are Krafton and Tencent?

Krafton

KRAFTON is a South Korean video game holding company headquartered in Seoul. Best known for developing the original PUBG: Battlegrounds for PC and console through its internal PUBG Studios, KRAFTON owns the intellectual property rights to the PUBG franchise.

In recent years, KRAFTON has expanded beyond battle royale, investing in more narrative-driven games like Project Windless and horror titles like The Callisto Protocol.

Tencent

Tencent is a Chinese multinational technology conglomerate and the world’s largest gaming company by revenue. Based in Shenzhen, Tencent has built a vast empire of investments and subsidiaries across the gaming industry, including:

• Full ownership of Riot Games (League of Legends)
• Major stakes in Epic Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft
• Development studios like TiMi and LightSpeed & Quantum, both leaders in mobile gaming

Tencent’s strength lies in its scale, mobile dominance, and ability to adapt IPs for regional markets, especially in China.

PUBG Across Platforms: Who Does What?

The PUBG brand has evolved into multiple products, each with different development and publishing arrangements.

PUBG: Battlegrounds (PC/Console) – Developed and published by PUBG Studios, under KRAFTON.

PUBG Mobile (Global) – Co-developed by Tencent’s LightSpeed & Quantum Studios under licence from KRAFTON.

Game for Peace (China)- Chinese rebrand of PUBG Mobile, fully developed by Tencent.

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) – Localized version of PUBG Mobile, published by KRAFTON for the indian market.

KRAFTON retains ownership of the PUBG IP and oversees its creative direction. Tencent, however, handles development and publishing of the mobile version in most international markets, leveraging its global mobile infrastructure and game design expertise.

KRAFTON: The Original IP Owner

KRAFTON’s core strength is in creating and expanding original IP. With PUBG: Battlegrounds as its breakout hit, the company now focuses on long-term brand building.

• Expanded storytelling: Through cinematic shorts, animated content, and novelizations set in the PUBG universe
• Acquisitions: Bought Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica, to branch into new genres
• Tech R&D: Developing AI-driven storytelling tools, virtual influencers (like its project ANA), and immersive metaverse environments

KRAFTON’s direction is grounded in premium content and PC/console development, with a growing interest in transmedia storytelling.

Tencent: The Global Distribution Powerhouse

Tencent plays a different game. Its business model emphasizes scalability, mobile-first experiences, and international expansion through strategic investments.

• Massive game portfolio: Owns or controls many top studios and IPs across mobile, PC, and console
• Infrastructure dominance: Operates its own cloud services, app stores, payment systems, and social platforms like WeChat, enabling a tightly integrated ecosystem
• Mobile design leadership: Studios like LightSpeed & Quantum and TiMi are leaders in mobile shooter and MOBA design
• Localization and compliance: Expert in adapting games for specific markets, especially China, through localized content, monetization models, and government compliance

Tencent’s strength is in distribution and optimization, turning great IPs into scalable, globally accessible mobile products.

Final Thoughts

Although both KRAFTON and Tencent are associated with PUBG, their roles are fundamentally different. KRAFTON is the original creator and IP owner, focused on building premium content and expanding its universe across platforms and genres. Tencent, on the other hand, brings the scale, mobile expertise, and global infrastructure needed to turn PUBG into a billion-dollar mobile phenomenon.

Together, they illustrate the modern ecosystem of gaming where IP creation and global distribution often work together across companies and continents.